Antibiotic Resistance of Bacterial Isolates from Smallholder Poultry Droppings in the Guinea Savanna Zone of Nigeria

Review of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes within the one health framework

Background: The interdisciplinary One Health (OH) approach recognizes that human, animal, and environmental health are all interconnected. Its ultimate goal is to promote optimal health for all through the exploration of these relationships. Antibiotic resistance (AR) is a public health challenge that has been primarily addressed within the context of human health and clinical settings. However, it has become increasingly evident that antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) that confer resistance are transmitted and circulated within humans, animals, and the environment. Therefore, to effectively address this issue, antibiotic resistance must also be considered an environmental and livestock/wildlife problem. Objective: This review was carried out to provide a broad overview of the existence of ARB and ARGs in One Health settings. Methods: Relevant studies that placed emphasis on ARB and ARGs were reviewed and key findings were accessed that illustrate the importance of One Health as a measure to tackle growing public and environmental threats. Results: In this review, we delve into the complex interplay of the three components of OH in relation to ARB and ARGs. Antibiotics used in animal husbandry and plants to promote growth, treat, and prevent infectious diseases lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in animals. These bacteria are transmitted from animals to humans through food and environmental exposure. The environment plays a critical role in the circulation and persistence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genes, posing a significant threat to human and animal health. This article also highlights how ARGs are spread in the environment through the transfer of genetic material between bacteria. This transfer can occur naturally or through human activities such as the use of antibiotics in agriculture and waste management practices. Conclusion: It is important to integrate the One Health approach into the public health system to effectively tackle the emergence and spread of ARB and genes that code for resistance to different antibiotics.

Identification and characterization of MDR virulent Salmonella spp isolated from smallholder poultry production environment in Edo and Delta States, Nigeria

Salmonella is responsible for some foodborne disease cases worldwide. It is mainly transmitted to humans through foods of animal origin through the consumption of poultry products. The increased international trade and the ease of transboundary movement could propel outbreaks of local origin to translate into severe global threats. The present study aimed to characterize Salmonella serovars isolated from poultry farms in Edo and Delta States, Nigeria. A total of 150 samples (faecal, water and feed) were collected from ten poultry farms between January and August 2020 and analyzed for Salmonella characterization using standard bacteriological and molecular methods. Salmonella serovars identified include: Salmonella Enteritidis [n = 17 (39.5%)], Salmonella Typhimurium [n = 13 (30.2%)] and other Salmonella serovars [n = 13 (30.2%)]. All Salmonella serovars were cefotaxime and ampicillin resistant. The presence of the invA gene ranged from 9(69.2%) to 15(88.2%). The spvC gene ranged from 2(14.4%) to 10(58.8%). All Salmonella serovars had sdiA gene. The Salmonella isolates produced some extracellular virulence factors (such as protease, lipase, β-hemolytic activity, and gelatinase), while 13(30.2%) of the overall isolates formed strong biofilms. In conclusion, the detection of multiple antibiotic-resistant Salmonella serovars in faecal sources, which also exhibited virulence determinants, constituted a public health risk as these faecal samples have the potential as manure in the growing of crops. These pathogens can be transmitted to humans nearby and through poultry products, resulting in difficult-to-treat infections and economic loss.

Growth performance, survivability and profitability of improved smallholder chicken genetics in Nigeria: A COVID-19 intervention study

The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on smallholder farming households (SFH) includes increased poverty, and loss of livelihoods. Provision of livestock to SFH is a helpful intervention to mitigate this impact. This study provided a total of 150 smallholder poultry farmers, randomly selected from three states (Kebbi, Nasarawa, and Imo) in Nigeria, with ten 5-week-old chickens (mixed sexes) each, of either FUNAAB Alpha or Noiler chicken genetics. The improved, dual-purpose chickens were evaluated for growth performance (GP), survivability and profitability. The birds were managed under semi-scavenging production system. Body weight, mortality, and cost of production (COP) were recorded every 4 weeks until 21 weeks of age. Profitability was a function of the COP, and the selling price for live-birds (cocks). Body weight of Noiler (1,927 g) birds was not significantly (p > .05) higher than FUNAAB Alpha (1,792 g) at 21 weeks. Agroecology and genetics had significant (p < .05) effects on GP and survivability. Survivability of FUNAAB Alpha was higher (p < .05) than Noiler, with Nasarawa (81%-96%), having the highest (p < .0001) survival rate compared to Imo (62%-81%), and Kebbi (58%-75%). At 21 weeks, the number of cocks and hens differed significantly (p < .05) within the states (Imo: 2.4 ± .2 and 5.4 ± .3; Kebbi: 2.6 ± .2 and 5.5 ± .3; and Nasarawa: 2.9 ± .2 and 5.8 ± .3). Nasarawa (NGN 7,808; USD 19) ranked best for profitability, followed by Kebbi (NGN 6,545; USD 16) and Imo (NGN 5,875; USD 14). Overall, this study demonstrates that provision of improved chickens to vulnerable SFH in Nigeria holds great potential for economic growth, and resilience during emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.